Three players were sent off as Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a lively Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Julian Quiñones scored the tournament’s first goal in the ninth minute, firing a low shot through the legs of Ronwen Williams after Bafana Bafana lost possession in their own half.
It was a costly mistake by South Africa, with midfielder Yaya Sithole likely to shoulder much of the blame for the turnover.
The situation worsened for South Africa early in the second half when Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez, who was through on goal. However, Mexico failed to capitalize from the resulting free-kick.
Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s advantage later in the second half, unmarked in the area to head home a well-delivered cross from Roberto Alvarado.
South Africa’s frustrations continued when substitute Themba Zwane was sent off following a VAR review. The veteran midfielder was adjudged to have slapped Alvarado in the 84th minute.
Mexico were also reduced to ten men late on when César Montes was shown a red card for fouling Khuliso Mudau, with the defender deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Rude welcome for Bafana Bafana
This was billed as a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
However, South Africa failed to find their rhythm from the outset, while Mexico connected well with their passionate supporters to get the job done.
El Tri capitalized on Bafana Bafana’s shortcomings, as the South Africans repeatedly surrendered possession cheaply, looked uncomfortable on the ball, and barely created chances up front.
Goalkeeper Williams was one of the few bright spots, producing a number of impressive saves. Coach Hugo Broos will be hoping to build on those positives as he prepares his side for the remaining group matches.
However, he will have to do so without Sithole and Zwane, who were both sent off and will miss the games against the Czech Republic and South Korea.
This is a challenging group for South Africa, a team appearing at this stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
How they respond against the Czech Republic next Thursday could go a long way in determining their fate at the tournament.
Lineups
Mexico – Raul Rangel, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado
South Africa – Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners
Post a comment